Dojran, 5 March 2026 (MIA) - The online bird portal ptici.mk, managed by the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), has logged over 34,000 records on bird species across North Macedonia from 30 active users in less than two years. 

The platform features a website showcasing bird findings and an Android app used as a data collection tool. Currently, the database lists 287 bird species. 

The latest recorded species as of early 2026 include the Great Black-Headed Gull, the Greater White-Fronted Goose and the Eurasian Golden Plover, while the Egyptian Goose and the Trush Nightingale have been registered in the country for the first time.

Field biologist - ornithologist and MES Managing Director, Metodija Velevski, voiced satisfaction with the results so far from using this modern tool for collecting data on birds across the country.

"There are over 34,000 records and 30 active users to date. Thanks to the app, the number of recorded species has increased, and at the same time, rare birds have been registered. It is important to highlight that ptici.mk is integrated into the Euro Bird Portal. We also provide birdwatching training for all volunteers who have registered, because users need to know what data they enter. Currently, we have a dozen volunteers," Velevski said.

The ptici.mk platform states that it serves to support the growing number of birdwatchers, i.e. to promote citizen science, by using modern tools for collecting and processing data. Birdwatchers also need some prior knowledge, i.e. the app is not intended for absolute beginners, although it will make it easier for them too to step into the world of birds, reads the website.  

MES Project Coordinator Danka Uzunova said the app's largest user base is in the capital, but data is still collected from across the country.

"The ptici.mk app has seen steady growth in users, who are logging birdwatching data from various locations across Macedonia on a daily basis. Although the largest number of active users are from Skopje and its surroundings, the platform is gradually being used in other regions," Uzunova added.

The ptici.mk platform is managed by the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), through the Sigrid Rausing Trust, and as part of a project co-funded by the European Union.

Photo: MIA archive, screenshot